3 teams that can stop the Los Angeles Lakers from winning the NBA Finals

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

Biggest threats to the Los Angeles Lakers: #3: Los Angeles Clippers

The first team that could give the Los Angeles Lakers some trouble if they meet in the playoffs are the Los Angeles Clippers.

Heading into the playoffs last season, the Clippers were the favorites to come out of the Western Conference over the Lakers.

Although the Lakers would end up winning the conference and the title, the Clippers have more to prove than ever.

After their embarrassing playoffs collapse last season, Doc Rivers was fired from the head coaching position as a form of a scapegoat.

Along with this, the Clippers will be playing with a sense of urgency this season. With Kawhi Leonard being a possible free agent this offseason, if they do not make a run in the playoffs, he could be off to a new team.

This would be a move that possibly sets the franchise back decades. They traded most of their future to acquire Paul George so Leonard would sign there.

Along with this, they have made a few solid acquisitions since the playoffs last season. They made a trade that sent Lou Williams to the Atlanta Hawks in return for former Laker point guard Rajon Rondo. They also signed former Laker center Demarcus Cousins.

With Lakers fans seeing firsthand how dangerous Rondo can be in the playoffs along with the other talent on the Clippers roster, they could stop the Lakers from another championship run.